FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Contact: Jim Carpenter, 303-358-6581

jim@freestone-strategies.com

Community Groups React to Xcel Energy’s Transition Plan, Urge Focus on Wind and Solar for a Clean, Sustainable Future

DENVER, CO – Community leaders today reacted to Xcel Energy's release of its transition plan for replacing the last coal-burning unit at the utility’s power plant in Pueblo by calling for a strong commitment to renewable energy solutions like wind and solar with battery storage, which Pueblo County voters overwhelmingly support. The plan represents a critical opportunity for the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to require that Xcel prioritize clean, reliable energy while avoiding false solutions that could continue to harm Pueblo residents, the climate, and Xcel ratepayers.

A recent poll shows that 44% of Pueblo County voters favor wind and solar as their top choice for replacing coal from the Comanche plant, far surpassing nuclear and gas options. These renewable energy solutions address voter priorities by lowering electricity bills, reducing environmental and public health harms, and offering long-term sustainability.

Xcel’s transition plan includes several scenarios for meeting anticipated growth in electricity consumption in the coming years and replacing output from Unit 3 at the Comanche plant, which will be retired by 2030. It focuses heavily on renewables and storage but includes new gas generation. It also keeps the door open for customers having to pay for so-called “advanced tech” like nuclear and hydrogen in future years.

Local leaders and community advocates will continue pushing for wind, solar and battery storage solutions that deliver the maximum benefits for Pueblo while keeping rates affordable for Xcel customers. The focus must be on delivering clean energy, protecting public health, and ensuring long-term prosperity for the region.

Below are reactions to Xcel’s filing with the PUC.

“Pueblo voters understand the Pueblo region is a potential national leader in renewables primed with capabilities for the ultimate usage of both wind and solar power without compromising our air and water quality. Xcel’s filing demonstrates they are willing to perpetuate further harm instead of listening to the Pueblo community. The PUC has an obligation to put this community's health first and foremost and that means clean energy through renewables, not expensive, dangerous false solutions being pushed in this filing.”

— Jordan Mecham, Southern Colorado Organizer, Mothers Out Front

"Xcel’s plan is an opportunity to foster economic development that benefits Pueblo’s future. Wind and solar power will create new jobs, attract clean industries, and make our community healthier—without the pollution and risks that come with other energy sources. We need a real transition, not false solutions that continue to burn fossil fuels or gamble with untested technologies like nuclear or massive carbon capture facilities."

— Ean Tafoya, State Director, GreenLatinos Colorado

“Puebloans have repeatedly made it clear that they want wind and solar to replace the coal-fired power plant in our community. We want cleaner energy for cleaner air and healthier people. Renewable energy provides good jobs and economic opportunities for our city and county. We don't need more methane burning in our community and we certainly don't need an untested nuclear facility. Mothers Out Front and all our allies in Pueblo will continue to engage with the PUC, Xcel Energy and others to make sure our community gets what we need -- and fights against what we don't want -- in this important energy transition.”

– Jamie Valdez, Pueblo resident and Colorado State Manager, Mothers Out Front

"Xcel Energy’s transition plan must honor what Pueblo’s Black communities and others have been calling for: a commitment to wind, solar, and other clean energy sources. This is an opportunity to invest in the clean energy future our communities deserve—one that reduces electricity bills, protects public health, and ensures long-term sustainability. We can’t afford to continue relying on risky alternatives like gas or nuclear, which bring higher costs and more environmental harm. It’s time for Pueblo to lead in renewable energy, not just for economic benefits, but for the health of all our residents"

– Portia Prescott, President, Rocky Mountain NAACP CO-MT-WY State Conference

“We appreciate that Xcel has listened to Puebloans and others across the state and is proposing significant new renewable resources. However, this proceeding is also a critical benchmark for the future, demonstrating that we do not need any new methane gas generation to replace Xcel’s coal capacity. A new gas plant would be bad for Pueblo, bad for every one of Xcel’s customers, bad for our climate, and bad for our air quality. Gas with carbon-capture – just like nuclear – is a risky, untested technology that will cost too much and do more harm than good. We all deserve better.”

– Eric Frankowski, Executive Director, Western Clean Energy Campaign.

"Colorado communities deserve clean solutions instead of more pollution. I'm concerned about air pollution like NOx and particulate matter that would only continue if Xcel replaces its coal plants with gas plants. Air quality in one part of our region impacts the air of the whole region. Let's not replace one dirty power plant with another when we have cleaner options.”

– Adams County Commissioner Emma Pinter

"In Golden, we get our electricity from Xcel, so while I would be disappointed to see us on the hook for yet another Xcel gas plant, it's still encouraging to see our utility propose this amount of new renewable energy and battery storage to replace a huge coal plant and help power our community into the future.”

– Golden City Council Member Don Cameron

"With this energy transition plan comes the opportunity and responsibility to put communities, our health, and our climate first. Clean and reliable renewable energy solutions, like wind and solar, should be prioritized to the fullest extent possible to provide Puebloans with economic sustainability and preserve their air, land, water and health. A fully renewable energy portfolio is possible, and will help ensure Coloradans have affordable energy, cleaner air, and healthier communities for generations to come."

– Megan Kemp, Director, Healthy Air and Water Colorado (HAWC)

“Given the gravity of the climate crisis and the harmful health impacts of fossil fuel pollution, Colorado’s transition away from coal must be a just transition to renewable energy sources that reduce GHG emissions, protect community health, and provide stability for vulnerable ratepayers. New investments in gas are a threat to these goals, as are hazardous, ineffective, and costly emerging technologies like small modular nuclear reactors and carbon capture and storage. We support the people of Pueblo in their pursuit of clean, renewable energy justice at the Xcel facility and beyond.”

– Lauren Swain, Coordinator, PSR Colorado - Physicians for Social Responsibility

“Replacing the polluting coal plant with renewables is the right thing to do. New gas plants would perpetuate the pollution to the community and saddle ratepayers with soon-to-be obsolete technology. We urge Xcel to put to rest any thoughts of pursuing false solutions such as a nuclear plant or a gas plants with carbon capture: not only are these options far too expensive, they continue to put Pueblo at risk, and they are not what the community wants.”

– Heidi Leathwood, Climate Policy Analyst, 350 Colorado

“Our sacred traditions call us to care for our neighbor and our common home. Our communities and planet urge the PUC to take action that prioritizes public health, family-sustaining jobs, and 100% clean energy for Pueblo and our state."

– Rev. Janel Apps Ramsey, Chair of Together Colorado's Climate Justice Committee

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